If you're a travel buff, you may know that it's officially "wave season." A moniker that refers to the time of the year—usually January through March—where cruise lines offer great discounts and incentives, wave season is prime time for booking a cruise. But no matter how great of a deal you may get, a cruise becomes an extremely expensive proposition when a problem arises. Prone to snafus...
With spring just around the corner, many homeowners will take advantage of the warmer weather to launch a remodeling project. While it's exciting to finally move forward on a big project that will improve the look, functionality and, hopefully, value of your home, a renovation means that you'll be living with a fair amount of disruption for weeks or possibly months to come. Unfortunately, so will your...
As a real estate agent, you may wonder how much value you can expect from a platform used mainly by millennials and Gen Z who may or may not have real estate in mind. But as the leading destination for concise mobile video, TikTok can be a viable marketing tool for agents because its users engage with content from a variety of sources rather than only with friends.The key to using it successfully is to...
As summer heat fades and air conditioners go quiet, most Americans get a break from peak-season utility bills. But winter is coming, and with it, the increased cost of heating. From EnergyStar and consumer advisors, here are five tips that may help lower your cold-weather utility bills by as much as $100 a month in total: Get the best rate – Check in with your provider. Some utility...
As competition heats up among home sellers in today's market, gaining a competitive edge matters now more than ever. While many homeowners look to tackle home improvement projects before putting their home on the market to attract as many buyers as possible and garner the best possible sales price, not all home improvements deliver the same return on investment. According to a recent Zillow survey...
If you've been thinking about starting the search for your new home, there may be several factors preventing you from moving forward. From higher interest rates to talk of a housing crash, today's environment has caused many would-be homebuyers—and sellers—to put their plans on hold. While reticence is understandable given today's headlines, there are several real-world facts that you should...
If your home environment is triggering a case of the blahs, it's easy to feel like you'll never be able to afford the redesign or remodel that will make your home current and stylish again. Reviving your home decor can be done affordably and quickly, however, with a few strategic DIY fixes. Try one of these seemingly small ideas and you'll be amazed at the difference it will make. Add some...
Changing your decor for the season can be an excellent way to ensure your home is welcoming all year round. It can also allow you a change from your regular decor, ensuring you never get bored with your space. This winter, follow these style rules to ensure your seasonal decorating goes off without a hitch. One-in-One-OutSeasonal decor can bring life to your space and can allow you to change up your...
Homeowners insurance companies decide whether to issue policies and set their rates based on risk. Many factors, including a house’s location, can influence its risk profile. In some cases, a home’s location makes it difficult to get homeowners insurance. If you find yourself in that situation, you may be able to find another way to get coverage. How Location Can Affect Risk Some parts of the...
Becoming a new homeowner is an exciting milestone. It can also be an overwhelming process full of decision-making, seemingly endless paperwork and new responsibilities. When the dust settles and you officially sign for your new home, your work doesn’t end there. Many new homeowners don’t realize these important things. Don’t be caught unaware, be sure you understand these important tips. Your...